"the queen's charge"
Written on the occasion of the muster of the Queen’s Spears
at Pennsic XXXIII.
The Queen’s Spears fought in the three bridge battles, then immediately shed their armor to fight in the rapier battle.
Before the Queen’s Spears went into battle, Her Majesty Padraigin read them this charge.
Queen’s Spears, you bear my banner and my name.
My reputation I entrust to you.
You bring me glory; never bring me shame.
Gold did not bring you here, My Own, nor fame.
For love you bear my spears of white and blue.
Queen’s Spears, you bear my banner and my name.
Beware, My Own, lest you put on me blame.
Do nothing which could make my heart know rue.
You bring me glory; never bring me shame.
Take every blow that kills or leaves you lame.
Show courtesy in all you say or do.
Queen’s Spears, you bear my banner and my name.
For know, My Own, my honor is no game.
Protect it with your conduct clean and true.
You bring me glory; never bring me shame.
So now go forth, My Own, and victory claim,
And all the world shall know when you are through.
Quen’s Spears, you bear my banner and my name.
You bring me glory; never bring me shame.
Written by my hand, this 18th Day of August, A.S. XXXVIII
Mar Yaakov HaMirachi, Poeta Atlantiae